Quick answer: A move from Harrisburg to Chicago costs $569 – $5,606 and usually takes one to six days. Key factors include your move size, date, and whether you hire pros or do the 658-mile drive yourself.
Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our guide to moving from Chicago to Harrisburg.
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Best professional movers from Harrisburg to Chicago
Making the long-distnace move from Harrisburg to Chicago is easier when you hire a full-service moving company to handle every stage of the relocation. From packing and loading to delivery and unpacking, they manage the process so you can focus on the bigger picture.
With 12 interstate moving companies in Harrisburg, we’ve put together a list of the top full-service movers to help you make the move to Chicago with ease.
What moving services are available in Harrisburg?
How we chose the best movers PA→IL movers
Highly rated local moving companies for Harrisburg to Chicago moves
Organizing a move from Harrisburg to Chicago can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating local movers in Harrisburg known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Harrisburg to Chicago.
- Geo. W. Weaver & Sons Inc.: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Spirit Moving Company LLC: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- The Armstrong Company: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Keystone Moving and Junk Removal: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Charles E. Groff & Sons, Inc.: 4.48 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 702302
Years in Business: 127
DOT #: 10676
Alternate Names: Harrisburg Storage Co. , M.F. Rockey Moving Company , Penn Hershey Transfer , Harrisburg Transfer Company , George W. Weaver
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 8921736
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3214709
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 8917264
Years in Business: 76
DOT #: 1170867
Alternate Names: Jack Treier Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 8920233
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 3011826
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 700812
Years in Business: 76
DOT #: 396907
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Harrisburg to Chicago?
On average, moving companies in Pennsylvania charge about $143 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,219 – $3,577 | $786 – $1,845 | $528 – $1,006 |
2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,137 – $5,606 | $1,402 – $2,712 | $569 – $1,138 |
4+ bedrooms | $3,717 – $7,871 | $1,912 – $3,377 | $724 – $1,431 |
Cost to hire movers from Harrisburg to Chicago
When planning a move to Chicago from Harrisburg, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,219 and $3,577. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,137 and $5,606 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $3,717 to $7,871.
Cost of moving containers from Harrisburg to Chicago
When you’re heading from Harrisburg to Chicago, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $786 and $1,845. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,402 and $2,712. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,912 to $3,377. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Pennsylvania easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Harrisburg to Chicago
A moving rental truck from Harrisburg to Chicago is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $528 to $1,006. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $569 to $1,138, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Harrisburg to Chicago costs around $724 to $1,431.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Harrisburg to Chicago

What to know before moving from Harrisburg to Chicago
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Chicago runs about 97% higher for singles and 157% higher for families than Harrisburg.
Singles spend around $3,648 in Harrisburg versus $1,849 in Harrisburg; families pay $9,266 compared with $3,612.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
Harrisburg | Chicago | |
---|---|---|
Average 1 BR rent | $1,550 | $2,368 |
Average 3 BR rent | $1,946 | $4,581 |
Average home value | $230,038 | $295,743 |
Average income (per capita) | $73,256 | $71,566 |
Unemployment rate | 13.4% | 9.0% |
Sales tax | 6.0% | 10.25% |
State income tax | 3.07% | 4.95% |
- Rent is about 70% more expensive in Chicago than in Harrisburg. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 29% steeper in Chicago compared to Harrisburg.
- There’s good news: the average income differences between Chicago and Harrisburg are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Chicago, with the cost of living for a single person being 97% more than in Harrisburg. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Chicago, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 157% higher than in Harrisburg.
- Chicago has a lower unemployment rate than Harrisburg by about 33%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes in Chicago surpass those in Harrisburg by 71%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Income taxes are 61% more in Illinois than in Pennsylvania. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Harrisburg versus Chicago:
Living Expense | Harrisburg | Chicago |
---|---|---|
Basic utilities | $160.00 | $191.26 |
Cell phone plan | $59.67 | $61.10 |
Dozen eggs | $4.26 | $4.52 |
Loaf of bread | $3.72 | $4.15 |
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $25.00 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $65.00 | $100.00 |
Gym membership | $27.50 | $78.31 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Harrisburg than in Chicago, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Harrisburg than in Chicago.
- Eggs are less expensive in Harrisburg than in Chicago.
- Bread costs less in Harrisburg than in Chicago.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Harrisburg than in Chicago.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Harrisburg than in Chicago.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Harrisburg than in Chicago.
How life is different in Harrisburg vs. Chicago
Harrisburg | Chicago | |
---|---|---|
Population | 50,099 | 2,746,388 |
Transportation score | 6 | 9 |
Walkability score | 68 | 77 |
Bike friendliness score | 57 | 72 |
Crime index | 64.18 | 35.19 |
Safety index | 35.82 | 33.87 |
Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Chicago’s population is about 5382% greater than Harrisburg.
- Chicago’s public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Harrisburg’s score of 6.
- Chicago is more walkable than Harrisburg with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Harrisburg’s 68 out of 100.
- With a score of 72 out of 100, Chicago is more bike-friendly than Harrisburg, which has a score of 57 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Chicago’s crime rate is lower than Harrisburg with a score of 35.19 compared to Harrisburg’s 64.18. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Harrisburg neighborhoods are safer than 64.18%.
- Chicago and Harrisburg have a similar safety level, with scores of 33.87 and 35.82.
- Air quality in Chicago is Good, and in Harrisburg it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Harrisburg to Chicago move
- HOA rules: Costs across Harrisburg and Chicago are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Illinois, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Illinois, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Chicago. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items’ full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Chicago
With your sights set on Chi-Town, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Chicago.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Lake View
- Lincoln Park
- The Loop
- Near North Side
- West Town
Best neighborhoods for families
- Beverly
- Edison Park
- Lincoln Park
- North Center
- West Loop
Things to do in Chicago
With your move to Illinois complete, you can dive right into experiencing Chicago. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Chicago is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, and Chicago History Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Chicago Bears (NFL)Chicago Cubs (MLB)Chicago White Sox (MLB)Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)Chicago Bulls (NBA)Chicago Fire (MLS)Chicago Sky (WNBA) game.
FAQ
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